Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations in Support of Army Special Operations Forces: What Changes Are Required?
Abstract
Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) are a significant contributing force in the Global War on Terrorism, but they have no explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) support other than on an ad hoc basis. The EOD support provided ARSOF, while competent and trained for conventional operations, has not undergone any unique preparation for operations in support of ARSOF. There has been no formal effort to engage both ARSOF and EOD to optimize integration. This study assesses what can be done to insure that ARSOF is provided focused and trained EOD in support of missions in a unique operational environment. Conventional forces have ready access to EOD support through relationships established in the continental United States, the Combat Training Centers, and past contingency operations. The Army's Cold War focus resulted in EOD being organized and equipped primarily to support conventional forces. However, the operational environment has changed. The United States can no longer expect to fight predominately high-intensity, mechanized battles on linear, contiguous battlefields. Future opponents will employ asymmetric methods to avoid its strengths. ARSOF is central to combating these threats. Proliferation of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) technology and the continued use of improvised explosive devices in global attacks demands a rigorous research effort. (3 tables, 4 figures, 59 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA428669
Entities
People
- Michael D. Evans
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College